(It’s a busy Saturday, and both our cash registers are lined up with customers. A woman is stood next to the line-up, clearing her throat and trying to get my attention. She finally shoves her way to the cash, ahead of the line-up.)

Customer: “I need to return all these stickers. I was charged $7, when they’re only supposed to be $2!”

(I’d normally send her to the back of the line, but at this point it will be faster just to serve her and get her out of the way.)

Me: “I’m sorry about that, sometimes when we’re busy a cashier can miss a mistake like that. I just need your receipt.”

Customer: “I don’t have my receipt! I shouldn’t have to keep my receipt; you made the mistake!”

Me: “I’m sorry, ma’am; but I cannot do a return or exchange without a receipt. There has been an issue lately of people trying to return items they didn’t pay for.”

Me: “Again, ma’am, I’m sorry. I cannot do a return or exchange without a receipt. If you’d like to wait a few minutes, my manager will be back from her break. Honestly, she’s only going to tell you the same thing, however.”

Customer: “This is ridiculous, I’m not waiting around for anyone! You’re wasting my time; now give me my money back! This happens all the time here! You guys didn’t ask for a receipt the last time! I’m a paying customer! I bought a bunch of these stickers before, and the same thing happened!”

Me: “If this has happened to you with this item before, why didn’t you confirm they were ringing in at the correct price the second time?”

(The woman turns beet red. Without saying anything, she throws the stack of stickers at me and storms out the door, shoving past people as she goes.)

Next Customer: “They really need to give you kids hazard pay for this s***.”